Knitting shuttle



Dec. 31, 1940. R E SHERMAN v 2,226,982

KNITTING SHUTTLE Filed Feb. 11. 19:59

Patented Dec. 31, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to a knitting shuttle, and it is an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind to be placed upon a digit of the hand, and preferably the index finger of the right hand, for maintaining desired tension on the yarn and to facilitate the looping of the yarn over the needle in the process of knitting.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind so constructed and used that it leaves the hand free to hold and manipulate the needles instead of releasing the right hand needle at each stitch in order to loop the yarn over the needle to make the whole stitch.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a device of this kind which by its use makes it possible to knit at a considerably greater speed than when the device is not in use and also which serves to hold the same tension on the yarn at all times.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved knitting shuttle whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better, understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective illustrating a knitting shuttle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention and in applied or working position;

Figure 2 is a view in perspective of the shuttle as herein disclosed unapplied;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

My improved shuttle as herein disclosed comprises a finger engaging body plate I of desired dimensions and which is adapted to be readily placed upon the outer portion of the finger of a hand and preferably the index finger of the right hand. The shuttle is preferably made of metal although I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself as to any particular material.

The body plate I when applied straddles the finger and, as herein disclosed, has its side marginal portion so constructed and arranged to provide resilient fingers 2 to assure sufiicient frictional contact with the finger for the proper maintenance of the shuttle in applied position. The rear portion of the body plate I at substantially its transverse center is formed with a bayonet slot 3 through which the yarn 4 threads from ,within. The forward end portion of the body plate I is provided with an outwardly directed narrow plate 5 formed at its outer end to provide in its transverse center a laterally disposed and inwardly facing hook 6, said plate 5 and hook 6 being substantially coplanar with each other and the adjacent portion of the plate I. The plate 5 inwardly of the hook 6 is provided with a laterally and outwardly disposed lug 1 returned upon itself to provide a downwardly facing guide loop. As is clearly illustrated in the drawing, the hook 6 extends beyond the side margin of the plate 5 which carries the lug I.

The yarn 4 extends through the slot 3 over and along the outer surface of the plate I and through the guide loop 1 and then laterally through the hook 6 to the work. The yarn before it reaches the applied shuttle preferably passes between the little finger and the ring finger of the hand whereby the desired tension is maintained on the yarn 4 and at the same time leaving the entire hand free to hold and manipulate the needle.

With the use of my improved shuttle it is possible to knit almost twice as fast as when the shuttle is not used and at the same time holding the same tension on the yarn. This maintenance of tension is of advantage as it allows through the use of the shuttle for more than one person to knit on the same garment with regular even knitting.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a knitting shuttle constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled ,and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

A knitting shuttle comprising a finger engaging body plate having a yarn guide at its rear portion, an outwardly directed plate carried by the opposite end of the body plate at substantially its transverse center, said plate being formed to provide a laterally disposed and inwardly facing hook, said second named plate and. hook being substantially coplanar with each other and with the adjacent portion of the body RALPH E. SHERMAN. 

